10 Wrestling Careers Ruined By Awful Storylines

9. Zack Ryder

Dean Malenko Lita
WWE

A former WWE Tag Team Champion, Zack Ryder had fallen into obscurity by 2011. The Long Island native wasn’t willing to accept his fate however, and gradually became one of WWE’s most popular acts without the company’s help. He started the “Z! True Long Island Story” YouTube series, crowned himself WWE Internet Champion, and connected with the fans through his tireless online hustle, despite a lack of TV appearances.

Arenas around the country soon filled with chants of “we want Ryder,” and eventually, the Ryder Revolution was recognised. WWE pushed him as the US Champion, but the company have never been fond of wrestlers getting over without their say so, and a burial was right around the corner.

Ryder entered a disastrous relationship angle with Eve Torres, and was portrayed like a smitten puppy throughout. The situation escalated as Kane and John Cena got involved, and Ryder was Chokeslammed through the Raw stage. Cena later stole a kiss from Eve after saving her from an attack by Kane, with the wheelchair-bound Zack forced to sit and watch, before Kane decided to wheel him off the stage. The burial was complete at WrestleMania XXVIII, when Eve kicked Zack between the legs. His career has never recovered.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.